<blockquote><I>"if blacks are called african americans chinese are called asian americans,,,what do we call indians? american americans?"</i></blockquote>They're called the "indigenous peoples" or the "First Nation". There was no "America" until the Europeans showed up, enslaved the native populations, decimated them with disease and war and laid claim to the lands.

There's an interesting study as to why it happened that way and not the other way around. The claim is that there was no animal native to 'America' that could be domesticated like cattle were domesticated in Europe. Domestication allowed large controlled herds to feed cities of people who could develop steel, guns, ships, etc. Surplus food grown by farmers, including grains as well as livestock, allowed others in the community to specialize their skills and buy the surplus food. That didn't happen in America. Everyone continued to hunt and gather right up until the white man came. Book was called 'Guns, Germs and Steel'. See link above.

"In particular, Eurasia had the best collection of plants and animals suitable for domestication – barley, two varieties of wheat and three protein-rich pulses for food; flax for textiles; goats, sheep and cattle provided meat, leather, glue (by boiling the hooves and bones) and, in the case of sheep, wool."

In 1934 the country was in the depth of the Great Depression and the "noble experiment" of Prohibition had finally come to an end. Trapshooting was the "Patriotic Sport" and the Good ol' Boys at the Spokane Gun Club were in the mood to have some shooting fun that would include the wife and family. They had been holding their "Jack Snipe Shoot" at Hayden Lake, Idaho for four years. Some had attended the California and Pacific Indian shoots and enjoyed the theme of these shoots. It was decided that the Hiyu Indians would be founded to replace their present family oriented shoot and all active shooters and good sportsmen would be invited to attend, compete, and join in the general good fellowship.

Bozanta Tavern at Hayden Lake was selected as headquarters. A paved road existed for the whole 36 mile distance from Spokane to the tavern. The site provided a golf course, lodge for housing the banquet, and a path between traps 1 and 2 that led through the bar of the tavern offering a chance to brighten the eye and sweeten the breath during the event. Then entry was set at $4.00 per hundred targets. Shells were .75 cents per box. The "reloading" meant refilling your hip flask. The dinner-dance Saturday night was $1.00 a person, with reservations.

Dr. Jack Reimer, a shooter and a master engraver, who had moved to Spokane from Chicago, designed and engraved the Hiyu head and feathers. Charlie O'Conner, a local lawyer and of the best "Good ol' Boys," was elected Chief. Other tribal posts were filled and the Hiyu's were off and running.

Among the founders was Frank Stoop, first president of the ATA. All together we have had six Hiyu's elected to the ATA presidency, five of which were Past High Chiefs. Several of our members are installed in the ATA Hall of Fame in Vandalla and our membership pin is on display on Lela Hall Frank's shooting sweater which still hangs there. This would indicate we are serious trap shooters as well as fun loving Hiyus.

In 1947, Winchester sent their great spokesman and trick shooter Herb Parson to the Hiyu shoot. He shot with the members and gave a shooting show.

Over the years we have shot at Coeur d' Alene, Sun Mountain, Yakima, returned to Sun Mountain, and now call the Spokane Gun Club our home.